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Estimating Formant Frequencies of Vowels Sung by Sopranos Using Weighted Linear Prediction
Eduardo Barrientos1, Edson Cataldo1
1Postgraduate Program in Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering (PPGEET), R. Passo da Pátria, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|November 24, 2023
Summary
A new method, weighted linear prediction adapted to high-pitched singing voices (WLP-HPSV), accurately estimates formant frequencies in soprano singing. This technique outperforms traditional methods, offering robust vocal analysis across various pitches.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Speech Science
- Bioacoustics
Background:
- Accurate formant frequency estimation is crucial for understanding voice production.
- High-pitched singing voices present unique challenges for traditional spectral analysis methods.
- Existing methods like Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) may struggle with the complexities of sung vowels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel method, weighted linear prediction adapted to high-pitched singing voices (WLP-HPSV), for precise formant frequency estimation.
- To compare the performance of WLP-HPSV against the established Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) method.
- To investigate the relationship between pitch and vocal tract/glottal characteristics in singing.
Main Methods:
- Developed the weighted linear prediction adapted to high-pitched singing voices (WLP-HPSV) method.
- Integrated zero-frequency filtering (ZFF) technique within the WLP analysis framework.
- Evaluated WLP-HPSV using synthetic /u/ vowels and natural /a/ and /u/ sung vowels from lyric sopranos.
- Compared WLP-HPSV results with those obtained from the LPC method.
Main Results:
- WLP-HPSV demonstrated superior performance in accurately capturing spectral characteristics compared to LPC.
- The method accurately estimated formant frequencies for both synthetic and natural singing vowels.
- Observed variations in Quasi-Closed Phase (QCP) parameters with pitch, indicating vocal tract and glottal interplay.
- WLP-HPSV proved robust in estimating formant frequencies across a range of pitches.
Conclusions:
- WLP-HPSV is a highly effective method for accurate formant frequency estimation in high-pitched singing voices.
- The WLP-HPSV method offers improved robustness and accuracy over traditional LPC analysis for sung vowels.
- The study provides insights into the dynamic relationship between pitch, vocal tract configuration, and glottal source characteristics during soprano singing.
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